Container cap with content reservoir system

ABSTRACT

A cap for a container includes a base portion that connects to the container, the base portion including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the container, a content reservoir system disposed on the base portion and in selective fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container, the content reservoir system including a valve such that the content reservoir system is in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in a closed state, and an actuating portion that actuates the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/992,805, filed May 13, 2014, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to container caps, and more particularly, to container caps with multiple functions.

BACKGROUND

Generally, container caps (e.g., for drinking containers, gasoline containers, chemical containers, etc.) may include a cap that seals the container to prevent fluid from exiting the container (e.g., a screw on cap, a flip cap, a friction fit cap, or the like). Such caps may include a sealing member (e.g., a gasket) to enhance the seal. Generally, to access the fluid within the container, the cap or a lid portion of the cap must be moved relative to, or removed from, the container so that a fluid path into the container may be accessed. To efficiently add contents to the container, the conventional caps must be removed.

Many people enjoy flavoring liquids such as water with sweeteners, tea powders, or other flavorings. However, to flavor water that has been added to a container normally requires carrying a separate container of flavoring solution or powder, opening the container having the water therein, pouring the flavoring contents into the container, resealing the container, and then shaking the container to mix the contents. Solutions for providing improved content (e.g., flavoring) addition for liquid containers are needed.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a cap for a container includes a base portion configured to connect to the container, the base portion including a mouthpiece (also referred to herein as a “sipper”) configured to be in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the container, a content reservoir system disposed on the base portion and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container, the content reservoir system including a valve such that the content reservoir system may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in a closed state, and an actuating portion configured to actuate the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container.

The valve may include a pressure valve configured to open when a differential pressure between the internal cavity of the container and the content reservoir system is above a threshold value.

The actuating portion may include a plunger configured to pressurize the content reservoir system. The plunger may be removably secured to the content reservoir system or the base portion such that the plunger may be removed to allow access to the content reservoir system. The plunger may include a flexible button for configured to deform and pressurize the content reservoir system.

In some embodiments, the content reservoir system may be formed into the base portion. The content reservoir system may be removable from the base portion.

The mouthpiece may be movably connected to the base portion such that the mouthpiece moves between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The mouthpiece may extend away from the content reservoir system in the unsealed position.

In some embodiments, the valve may include an elastic material. The valve may be configured to operate with at least one of a fluid and a powder.

In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a content reservoir system for a container cap, comprising, a housing, wherein the housing defining the content reservoir system, and a valve such that the content reservoir system may be in fluid communication with an internal cavity of a container when the valve may be in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container when the valve is in a closed state.

The content reservoir system may further include an actuating portion configured to actuate the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container to the content reservoir system.

In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a container includes a container housing defining an inner cavity configured to hold a fluid, and a cap as disclosed herein.

Other aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are discussed infra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cap according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the cap of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 1 disposed on a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While example embodiments are described, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, this disclosure covers not only the embodiments described herein, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, as well as all intervening decimal values between the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9. With respect to sub-ranges, “nested sub-ranges” that extend from either end point of the range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an exemplary range of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” and similar terms (e.g., “substantially”, “approximately”) are understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. Such terms may be understood as meaning within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term “about.”

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in at least one aspect of this disclosure, a cap 100 for a container (not shown) includes a base portion 102 configured to connect to the container, the base portion 102 including a mouthpiece (or “sipper”) 117 configured to be in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the container. The base portion 102 may include a base body 101 including an aperture 101 a defined therein to pass fluid from the inner cavity of the container through the cap 100. The body portion 102 may further include at least one seal 103 for fluidly sealing the cap 100 to the container and/or at least one skirt 105. The aperture 101 a may be configured to operatively attach to a straw disposed in the internal cavity. The seal 103 may be made of any suitable material such as, for example, silicone, rubber, and the like.

At least one content reservoir system 106 may be disposed on the base portion 102 and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container. The content reservoir system 106 may have a reservoir body 107 that includes a valve 109 such that the content reservoir system 106 may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve 109 is in an open state. The content reservoir system 106 is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve 109 is in a closed state. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “fluid communication” may be understood to allow for non-fluids (e.g., powder, gel, concentrate, etc.) to be transferable between the inner cavity of the container and the reservoir body 107. The content reservoir 106 preferably may be configured to hold any suitable additive (e.g., flavoring) or other content to add to the fluid (e.g., water) within the container.

The valve 109 may include any suitable valve type including, but not limited to, a one-way pressure valve (e.g., a check valve) configured to open when a differential pressure between the internal cavity of the container and the reservoir body 107 of the content reservoir system 106 may be above a threshold value (e.g., enough positive pressure in the reservoir body 107 relative to the internal cavity to push open a pressure valve). In other embodiments, the valve 109 may be a suitable mechanical and/or electrically activated valve.

In some embodiments, the valve 109 may include an elastic material. In particular, the valve 109 may be configured to operate with at least one of a fluid, powder, gel, or any other suitable content. Any suitable material selection for the desired valve function may be contemplated herein.

The valve 109 may be mounted to the reservoir body 107 by a valve mount 115 as shown in FIGS. 2-4. It may be contemplated that the valve 109 may be disposed on the reservoir body 107 in any other suitable manner.

An actuating portion 111 may be configured to actuate the valve 109 between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container to the reservoir body 107 and the contents therein. As shown, the actuating portion 111 may be removably attachable to the reservoir body 107, e.g., by including a threading member 113 that may be adhered (or otherwise connected to) the actuating portion 111. Any other suitable attachment of the threading member 113 to the actuating portion 111 may be herein contemplated (e.g., forming a threading member 113 into the actuating portion 111). In such embodiments, the actuating portion 111 may be removed (e.g., unscrewed) and content may be added to the reservoir body 107 of the content reservoir system 106.

In embodiments where the valve 109 includes a pressure valve, the actuating portion 111 may include a plunger configured to pressurize the reservoir body 107 of the content reservoir system 106. The plunger may include a flexible button or cap, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-6, configured to deform and pressurize the reservoir body 107 of the content reservoir system 106.

In some embodiments, the reservoir body 107 of the content reservoir system 106 may be at least partially formed into the base portion 102 (e.g., the reservoir body 107 may be defined by the base body 101). In other embodiments, the content reservoir system 106 may be removable from the base portion 102.

As shown, the mouthpiece/sipper 117 may be movably connected to the base portion 102 such that the mouthpiece/sipper 117 moves between a sealed position and an unsealed position. For example, when the mouthpiece/sipper 117 may be rotated and/or otherwise pressed against the base body 101, no fluid path exists to allow fluid to travel through the mouthpiece 117 thereby sealing the container. If the mouthpiece may be extended to the unsealed position, the mouthpiece 117 aligns a channel therein with the aperture 101 a allowing a fluid path between the inner cavity of the container and the atmosphere. It is contemplated that the mouthpiece 117 may extend away from the content reservoir system 106 in the unsealed position. While the mouthpiece 117 is shown as a moving portion, it is contemplated that any suitable mouthpiece 117 may be used and disposed on the cap 100 in any suitable manner (e.g., formed as part of the base body 101).

The cap 100 may further include a mouthpiece gasket 119 disposed where the mouthpiece 117 meets the base body 101 near aperture 101 a to prevent leakage around the mouthpiece 117 and/or provide a seal sufficient to allow a user to create a suction through the mouthpiece 117 so as to be able to pull fluid through a straw operatively associated with the aperture 101 a. Any other suitable sealing mechanism may be contemplated herein.

The cap 100 may also include a relief valve 121 that may be disposed on any suitable portion of the cap 100 to allow air to enter the container when a negative pressure forms inside the container due to a removal of the contents therein and/or suction created by a user. As shown, the relief valve may be covered and/or plugged by the mouthpiece 117 when the mouthpiece 117 is in the sealed position. Relief valve 121 may be any suitable valve (e.g., a check valve).

In some embodiments, the cap 100 may further include a mouthpiece cover 125 configured to move relative to the mouthpiece 117 to selectively expose at least a portion of the mouthpiece 117 for use. The cap 100 may also include one or more cover features 123 configured to hold the mouthpiece 117 in place while still allowing the mouthpiece 117 to rotate or otherwise move between the sealed and unsealed positions. The cover feature 123 may be bonded or secured in any other suitable manner to the base body 101.

Any of the herein described components of the various embodiments of a cap may made with any suitable materials, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, and/or ceramics. Any seal/gasket herein disclosed may be made of any suitable sealing material such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, soft plastic, and/or foam.

As disclosed herein, if a fluid, gel, powder, gas, or other suitable content may be placed in the reservoir body 107, actuating the valve 109 from the close state to the open state allows the contents of the reservoir body 107 to squirt and/or release into the internal cavity of the container (and/or to the atmosphere if the cap 100 is unattached to a container). After release of the contents of the content reservoir 106, the valve 109 closes until actuated again to prevent any fluid from the container from entering the body 107. This allows the contents of the container to be shaken or otherwise mixed without having to remove the cap 100 or compromising the additive in the content reservoir 106.

While the embodiment of a cap 100 shown in the drawings is configured and adapted for use in a drinking container, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the cap 100 may be modified in any suitable manner for any suitable type of container (e.g., a gasoline may) and content any suitable content within the content reservoir 106 (e.g., two stroke motor oil).

In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 7, a container 700 includes a container housing 701 defining an inner cavity 703 configured to hold a fluid, and a cap 100 as described herein. The container 700 may be any suitable container, such as a drinking container (e.g., bottle, mug, thermos, sports container, etc.), a chemical container, a gasoline may, or the like, and may be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.). The container 700 may be of any suitable shape and design. The container 700 may include any suitable markings and/or other features such as a fill line to indicate the maximum fill level until the fluid inside the internal cavity 703 contacts the reservoir system 106 and/or compromises the functioning of the reservoir system 106.

While the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap for a container, comprising: a base portion configured to connect to the container, the base portion including a mouthpiece configured to be in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the container; a content reservoir system disposed on the base portion and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container, the content reservoir system including a valve such that the content reservoir system is in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in a closed state; and an actuating portion configured to actuate the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container.
 2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the valve includes a pressure valve configured to open when a differential pressure between the internal cavity of the container and the content reservoir system is above a threshold value.
 3. The cap of claim 2, wherein the actuating portion includes a plunger configured to pressurize the content reservoir system.
 4. The cap of claim 3, wherein the plunger is removably secured to the content reservoir system or the base portion such that the plunger may be removed to allow access to the content reservoir system.
 5. The cap of claim 3, wherein the plunger includes a flexible button configured to deform and pressurize the content reservoir system.
 6. The cap of claim 1, wherein the content reservoir system is formed into the base portion.
 7. The cap of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is movably connected to the base portion such that the mouthpiece moves between a sealed position and an unsealed position.
 8. The cap of claim 7, wherein the mouthpiece extends away from the content reservoir system in the unsealed position.
 9. The cap of claim 1, wherein the content reservoir system is removable from the base portion.
 10. The cap of claim 1, wherein the valve includes an elastic material.
 11. The cap of claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to operate with at least one of a fluid and a powder.
 12. A content reservoir system for a container cap, comprising: a housing that defines the content reservoir system; and a valve such that the content reservoir system is in fluid communication with an internal cavity of a container when the valve is in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container when the valve is in a closed state.
 13. The content reservoir system of claim 12, further including an actuating portion configured to actuate the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container to the content reservoir system.
 14. The content reservoir system of claim 13, wherein the valve includes a pressure valve configured to open when a differential pressure between the internal cavity of the container and the content reservoir system is above a threshold value.
 15. The content reservoir system of claim 14, wherein the actuating portion includes a plunger configured to pressurize the content reservoir system.
 16. The content reservoir system of claim 15, wherein the plunger is removably secured to the content reservoir system or the base portion such that the plunger may be removed to allow access to the content reservoir system.
 17. The content reservoir system of claim 16, wherein the plunger includes a flexible button configured to deform and pressurize the content reservoir system.
 18. The content reservoir system of claim 12, wherein the valve includes an elastic material.
 19. The content reservoir system of claim 12, wherein the valve is configured to operate with at least one of a fluid and a powder.
 20. A container including: a container housing defining an inner cavity configured to hold a fluid; and a cap including: a base portion configured to connect to the container, the base portion including a mouthpiece configured to be in fluid communication with an internal cavity of the container; a content reservoir system disposed on the base portion and configured to be in selective fluid communication with the internal cavity of the container, the content reservoir system including a valve such that the content reservoir system is in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in an open state and such that the content reservoir system is not in fluid communication with the internal cavity when the valve is in a closed state; and an actuating portion configured to actuate the valve between the closed state and the open state to selectively open the internal cavity of the container. 